The University of Michigan is hiring an Assistant Director of Special Events to plan and execute special events for the Athletic Department. The position will be responsible for managing all event logistics including vendors, décor, volunteers. They will also develop a comprehensive strategic events program to engage donors, alumni, fans. Key duties include event planning and management (60%), developing an engaging events strategy (30%), and assisting with the events budget (10%). Qualifications include a bachelor's degree, 2+ years of event experience, strong organization and communication skills.

1. The University of Michigan Athletic Department
JOB DESCRIPTION
Working Title: Assistant Director, Special Events
Supervisor Name: Kurt Wisenbaugh
Supervisor Title: Director, Events and Game Presentation
Department: External Operations
Position Status: Full Time
Classification: Non-Exempt
JOB SUMMARY
The purpose of the Strategic Engagement and Creative team is to connect and inspire our Michigan
Athletics community through engagement initiatives, creative content and event experiences with a focus
on a deep understanding of the University of Michigan brand and its traditions.
The purpose of the Events and Game Presentation team is to engage, inspire and entertain the Michigan audience
by producing exciting, unique and memorable experiences, while maintaining the Michigan brand and it’s
traditions; to create an emotional connection between the fans, the teams and the student-athletes. The Assistant
Director, Special Events will be responsible for developing a comprehensive strategic event program that engages,
connects and inspires the Michigan Athletics’ audiences including but not limited to: donors, season ticket holders,
alumni, student-athletes, fans and staff.
The Assistant Director will serve as part of the Strategic Engagement and Creative team and will work closely with
the external relations team and other teams across the athletic department to deliver seamless experiences for our
community. All members of the Strategic Engagement and Creative team commit to exemplifying the values of the
Athletic Department. The Strategic Engagement and Creative teams prioritizes collaboration and communication in
order to achieve the highest levels of both efficiency and effectiveness.
JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Event Management – 60%
● Plan, manage, and execute logistics for Michigan Athletics special events.
● Oversee vendor selection, contract negotiations, parking, transportation, décor, volunteer management,
entertainment, etc., as it pertains to events.
● Supervise on-site staff, student ambassadors, volunteers and vendors during events.
● Oversee the design, production, and distribution of invitations, printed programs, and other promotional
materials.
● In partnership with team members, help with guest list creation and management.
● Create event documents including agendas, memos, maps, drawings, and other informational materials.
Event Strategy and Leadership – 30%
● Maintain a 6-18 month special events comprehensive program that continually engages and connects with
the audiences of Michigan Athletics.
● Engage and inspire our audience through the creation of exciting and innovative event experiences that
include but are not limited to: athletic director suite hosting, building dedications, scholarship recognition,
championship celebrations, alumni reunions, home and away game tailgates, small donor dinners/events,
etc.
● In partnership with other members of external relations, clearly articulate desired and measureable
outcomes for each event and examine event return on investment when applicable.
● Oversee event scheduling for athletic department leadership, coaches and other university administration,

2. while being strategic of their involvement and considerate of their time.
● Providing special events staff with clear roles, responsibilities, accountabilities, mentoring and support to
be successful.
● Work closely with the development and engagement teams to integrate a communication strategy that
drives key messaging within the execution of events and follow up.
● Devise and use consistent, accurate, and appropriate information-sharing mechanisms for event briefing
materials for athletic department team members and university colleagues.
● Implement timelines and delegate tasks to team members and staff while maintaining event ownership and
the overall point of view.
Budget – 10%
● Identify cost savings and efficiencies through continuous planning and collaboration with the external
relations team.
● Assist with the development and management of the event budget.
● Provide budget projections/estimates and reconcile final vendor payments.
Travel
● Ability to travel is required for this role. The Assistant Director will be required to travel approximately
once or twice every month for a few days at a time for the purpose of site visits, off-site events and
conference meetings.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designated to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or
responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be
assigned at anytime with or without notice.
QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED
● A bachelor’s degree is required and a graduate degree is preferred. Minimum of two years of events
management experience working in a complex environment is needed.
● Strong organizational and analytical skills with ability to initiate, analyze, monitor, evaluate and advance
strategic plans and programs that support the Athletic Department mission and contribute to the overall
goals and objectives of the fundraising program.
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with multiple patrons in a
positive and productive manner while maintaining integrity and adhering to the compliance rules of the
NCAA, Big Ten, and University of Michigan Athletic Department.
● Ability to exercise sound judgment and effectively determine when information needs to be advanced to
other decision makers.
● Ability to work in a fast paced, ever-changing environment, with the ability to effectively adapt and be
flexible.
● Ability to work effectively as part of a positive, team oriented environment.
● Strong commitment to the student athlete experience
● Demonstrated ability to develop good working relationships with internal and external constituency
groups and to work collaboratively with colleagues in a team environment.
● Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities and meet challenging and changing deadlines.
● Discretion and an ability to interact with high-level donors and notable public figures and the ability to
maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
● Demonstrated ability to manage direct reports.
● Must be able to work weekends, holidays and evenings.
PREFERRED
● Experience working in higher education and/or college athletics.
● Experience with DART (Donor Alumni Relationship Tool) software.
● Experience with Business Objects software.